We rise within these walls

Verse 1

Within these walls, where silence speaks,

We dreamed beyond the night.

In books and prayers, through sacred weeks,

We journeyed toward the light.

Each page we turned, each truth we found,

Became a seed we sow—

And from the roots of struggle deep,

Our spirits dared to grow.

Chorus

We rise, we rise, within these walls,

With wisdom forged by flame.

Our stories shaped by justice calls,

Our hearts no more the same.

We are the voice, we are the flame,

We carry Union’s name.

In freedom’s light or prison’s shade—

We rise, and still proclaim.

Verse 2

From Sing Sing’s call to Bedford’s song,

The legacy runs wide.

A circle strong, a chain unbroke,

With Union at our side.

The Word was spoken, studied deep,

And made alive in soul—

Now scholars stand where chains once clung,

Made whole, and full, and bold.

Bridge

We are more than what they see—

We are love and prophecy.

The classroom sacred, the Spirit near,

Each tear and truth held dear.

-Chorus-

In freedom’s light or prison’s shade—

We rise, and still proclaim.

Final Tag (Optional)

We rise…

We rise…

We rise… within these walls.